Sparc Technologies Limited has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Levidian Nanosystems to develop and commercialise graphene-enhanced ecosparc coatings for protective and industrial applications across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The collaboration will incorporate Levidian’s graphene into Sparc’s ecosparc formulations, targeting applications in infrastructure, marine and industrial coatings.

The agreement follows Levidian’s supply of graphene to Sparc for testing in ecosparc-enhanced coatings.

Under the MoU, Sparc will develop formulations, conduct testing at its ISO-accredited laboratories and work with coatings manufacturers and end users to progress product qualification, field trials and specification.

Levidian will supply graphene for formulation development and provide technical and application expertise.

Both companies will pursue commercial opportunities with major regional customers, including infrastructure owners and national oil operators.

The companies will also assess the feasibility of manufacturing ecosparc additives locally in the UAE within 24 months, subject to an agreed business case.

The agreement provides a framework for the parties to determine commercial arrangements covering market volumes, manufacturing, distribution, quality requirements, geographical scope and pricing.

A joint technical committee will meet monthly to establish priorities and monitor progress.

The companies aim to negotiate a binding joint development or commercial supply agreement within 12 months of commencement, with local manufacturing targeted within 24 months.

The MoU is non-exclusive, while provisions covering intellectual property and confidentiality are binding on both parties.

Sparc Managing Director, Mr Nick O’Loughlin commented: “Sparc is very pleased to be deepening our collaboration with Levidian to market and potentially produce ecosparc® in the Middle East. Levidian is a clear leader in the production of high-quality graphene materials and has strong relationships in the GCC region. Sparc is excited by the potential to establish this partnership as a means to accelerate the commercial adoption of its market-leading additive ecosparc® platform in the Middle East which is a significant market for protective coatings.”

Levidian CEO, Mr Alex Holden commented: “This partnership is another important step in Levidian's strategy to accelerate the commercial adoption of graphene-based advanced materials. Sparc has developed an exciting product in ecosparc®, and by combining their coatings expertise with our high-quality graphene, technical capabilities and established relationships in the Middle East, we see a real opportunity to bring enhanced protective coatings into wider industrial use.

The Middle East is an important market for us, with major infrastructure owners and industrial operators increasingly looking for materials that improve performance and extend asset life. We're particularly excited by the potential to build a regional value chain, from graphene production through to formulated products and, ultimately, local manufacturing.”

Sparc said the agreement marks a milestone in advancing the commercial rollout of ecosparc in the Middle East.

The company estimates that the regional protective and marine coatings market will exceed 200 million litres by 2030, making it larger than the North American market.

The partnership aims to advance the development and regional commercialisation of graphene-enhanced coatings, with a focus on industrial applications and potential local production in the UAE. -TradeArabia News Service